March 2024 Lafourche Happenings Newsletter

Suzanne Troxclair, Guidry, Sara

More than you ever imagined.

Eyeglass Campaign

According to a recent study of the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 950 million people in the world need eyeglasses, but can’t afford them or don’t have an accessible optician. In an effort to help those less fortunate, 4-H teams up with our local Lions Club to provide glasses to those in need by collecting used glasses that are then distributed to those who need them. Please turn in used eyeglasses, lenses, and frames to your school 4-H Club. Agents will pick up the donations at the March club meetings.

Dairy Poster Contest

Dairy posters will be picked up at March Club meetings. Every 4-H’er is encouraged to participate. Contest rules and details are as follows:

1. Poster should be 11” x 14” white poster board ONLY. No foam boards.

2. DO NOT ATTACH anything to the poster that is more than 1/2” thick.

3. Be sure to print your name, grade, and school on back of the poster in the upper right- hand corner.

4. A 4-H club member is allowed to win first place in each division only once.

5. After the contest is over, posters should be displayed in local community public places such as shopping malls, grocery stores, drug stores, banks, schools, or farm stores.

4-H’ers will compete in the following divisions: Division 1—4th—6th grades, Division 2—7th—8th grades and Division 3—9th—12th grades. The purpose of this contest is to help 4-H’ers learn more about milk and milk products and their importance to healthy bodies.

Horse Shows

If you are interested in showing horses for 4-H, please call the 4-H Office by March 18, 2024, to get on the mailing list to receive information about the Horse Shows. Just remember you need to have your horses in your possession by April 1, 2024, to be able to show this year. The Southeast District Horse Show will be held at the Florida Parishes Arena June 25-26, 2024.Exhibitor packets will be sent to all who have entered their horses in 4-HOnline by April 1st, the Possession Date Deadline.

Junior Leader Times

The February Junior Leader meeting was held at the Broadway Elder Living and Rehabilitation in Lockport. Members brought Valentines for the residents and donated treats for their games and fun events. The next meeting will be held on Thursday, March 21st at 5:30 p.m. at the Agriculture Building in Raceland. Lafourche Junior Leaders bleed green, so wear green and bring a delicious green dessert for competition, as well as a bag of plastic, colored Easter eggs and candy (no chocolate) that can be used to fill the eggs for our “Egg Your Yard” fundraiser.

Egg Your Yard!

Ready for an egg hunt in your yard? Let Lafourche Parish 4-H work with the Easter Bunny to make that happen! We’ll make sure the Easter Bunny hides the candy-stuffed eggs in your yard so the family can enjoy the hunt! The cost is as follows: 25 eggs-$15; 45 eggs-$25; 100 eggs-$50; or 150 eggs-$70. Funds collected will be used to support the Lafourche 4-H Youth Development Program and activities. Call the 4-H Office by March 22nd at 985-446-1316 or email us at vsmith@agcenter.lsu.edu to schedule!

4-H Achievement Day

Achievement Day will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at South Lafourche High School. This year’s theme will be “I Heart 4-H.” The morning program for Achievement Day will begin at 9:30 a.m. Please remind all 4-H’ers to bring pencils to Achievement Day since there will be none available for taking tests. After the morning program, members can participate in various contests such as demonstrations, insect identification, plant science, horticulture crop judging, good grooming (personal development), public speaking, and various tests from project book completion. Make sure to sign up with your leader if you want to participate in Achievement Day contests. The afternoon ceremony includes a fashion show and a talent show for your entertainment. After the conclusion of the talent show, our parish awards program begins. Awards that are presented are Top Junior Leaders and Awards of Excellence. School awards will be presented, and they include Activity Awards, School Display, and Achievement Day Awards. Please try to attend and cheer on your school club. Do not forget to wear your 4-H shirt if you have one. While students compete, there will be a silent auction for adults to participate. Donations are now being accepted for items for the auction. Proceeds will be used to support the Lafourche Parish 4-H Youth Development Program through the Lafourche 4-H Foundation.

4-H Portfolios

Record keeping is an important part of every 4-H educational project. Records show what you have done and learned during your 4-H club work. The 4-H Portfolio form is designed to help you keep your records and other supporting materials in an orderly manner. The portfolios that are completed and turned in to the 4-H Office will be judged, and recognition/awards will be given for these books at Achievement Day. The portfolios for grades 4-6 that are turned in to the 4-H Office will be judged. The members with the Top 10 portfolios will be recognized with Awards of Excellence at Achievement Day. The top 10 portfolios will be submitted to the State contest in July. You should be keeping this record from year to year and adding to it. You may include up to three years of 4-H work in your portfolio. Many awards, educational trips, and college scholarships are given to club members on the basis of their portfolios. Portfolios are due to the 4-H Office before April 20th. Portfolios will be picked up at the April club meetings if your scheduled club meeting is held before April 20th. If your April meeting is scheduled for after April 20th, your school’s portfolios will be picked up at your March club meeting. Portfolios can also by dropped off at the 4-H Office Monday-Friday between 8 AM and 4:30 PM before April 20th. The instructions for completing your portfolio are on the lsuagcenter.com website and have been sent through 4HOnline via email. The 4-H Member Record Book template was updated last year and posted to the LSU AgCenter website at the following link: 4-H Portfolio (lsuagcenter.com) All entries for the State Record Book Contest must use this revised publication, so please follow the updated guidelines for our parish contest. Please feel free to call the 4-H office with any questions.

Achievement Day Project Book Tests

4th graders who have completed their Discovering the World of 4-H and 5th graders who have completed Exploring the World of 4-H who turn these project books in at their assigned club meetings (April club meetings if your meeting is held prior to April 20th and March club meetings if your meeting is held after April 20th) qualify to take the tests at Achievement Day. 6th-12th graders that have completed and turned in their project booklets will earn certificates and points for their clubs for completing their projects. No project book tests will be given for 6th – 12th graders. These are separate from Portfolios and cannot be included in the portfolios. ALL 4-Hers can participate in the identification contests and demonstrations at Achievement Day.

Achievement Day - Youth Safe Driving

This contest is for teams of two or three members in the Middle and Senior High Divisions (both divisions will compete together).Contestants will present 5–7-minute presentation using PowerPoint format or audio visuals of choice on the topic of safe driving. Safe Driving topics include but are not limited to distracted driving (texting), drinking; reckless; sleepy; road rage. The emphasis will be on young drivers influencing other young drivers. Cash prizes will be awarded—$300.00 will be presented to the 1st place team, $200.00 to the 2nd place team and $100.00 to the 3rd place team! Don’t miss out on this awesome opportunity!

Achievement Day Contest – Leaf, Twig, Insect Collections, Bird Houses and Photography Exhibits

These items will be picked up with portfolios at your April club meeting if your club meeting is before April 20th. For schools with scheduled club meetings after April 20th, these items will be picked up at the March club meetings. Items can also be brought to the 4-H office before April 20th.The items will be displayed at Achievement Day on April 27th at South Lafourche High School. Items are to be picked up by attendees or leaders at the conclusion of Achievement Day. More detailed information can be found on our website at www.lsuagcenter.com. Click on Parish Offices, then Lafourche, and 4-H. Feel free to call the office at 985-446-1316 with any questions.

Leaf Collections

Submit a fresh mounted collection of leaves of Louisiana Trees according to the following specifications:

  • Each specimen shall be dried and individually mounted on conventional size material about 8 1/2" x 11" and displayed in a conventional loose-leaf notebook binder or similar ringed folder. The specimens may be mounted on pressure sensitive self-adhering transparent plastic sheets or other similar material. Gluing the specimen directly to heavy duty paper is also acceptable.
  • A label about 2 1/2" x 3" in size shall be glued to the lower right-hand corner of each display sheet. The label shall contain the scientific and common name, general description of the tree (i.e., size, habitat, etc.), location collected at, date collected and collector's name.
  • The front page of the notebook shall have typed or printed on it "Tree Leaves of Louisiana". The exhibitor's name, age, 4-H club, parish, and address shall also be typed or printed on this page.
  • Exhibit must be submitted in April as noted.
  • Must have at least 25 specimens (Elem. & Middle) 35 specimens (Senior) to qualify. Scoring: 3 pts. per correctly identified specimen; -1pt. for each incorrect identification; 25 pts.-for organization and appearance

Insect Collections

  • Submit a mounted collection of insects according to specifications on the Lafourche Parish 4-H website.
  • Must have at least 25 specimens (Elem. & Middle) 35 specimens (Senior) in order to qualify.
  • Exhibit must be submitted in April.
  • Scoring: 1 pt. per insect; 3 pts. per order represented; 25 pts. Organization and appearance; 25 pts. condition of insects

Birdhouses

  • Must build and exhibit a nesting box or bird house and submit in April.
  • Cannot exceed 12” x 12”.
  • No craft birdhouses are allowed.
  • Cannot submit a previously entered birdhouse.

Twig & Bud Collections

  • Any member may participate.
  • Submit a fresh mounted collection of twigs and buds according to forestry book specifications on poster.
  • Must have at least 25 specimens (Elem. & Middle) 35 specimens (Senior) in order to qualify.
  • Exhibit must be submitted in April.
  • Scoring: 3 pts. per correctly identified specimen; -1 pt. for each incorrect identification; 25 pts. for organization and appearance.

Photography Exhibits

  • Only one photograph in each category may be exhibited. All pictures must have been taken during this school year by photographer entering.
  • Entries - Photographer’s name, grade and school must be marked on the back of the photograph, not on the front.
  • Judging – Judges will base their decisions on the quality of the photograph, to include originality and technical skill.
  • Matting– Photographs must be mounted (not framed) on a mount board or matted.
  • Placings – First, Second, and Third Place will be given in each category.
  • Exhibits due in April.
  • Elementary, Middle & Senior Division – Black & White (can be 4” x 6”, 5” x 7”, 8” x 10”, 11” x 14”) and Color Only (can be 4”x 6”, 5” x 7”, 8” x 10”, 11” x 14”). Categories are Animals, Food, Human Interest, Portraits, Scenic and Still Life.

Achievement Day Fashion Review

All Elementary, Middle, and Senior High clothing contestants will model their garments to be judged for appearance and construction in the morning at Achievement Day and may participate in the Fashion Review in the afternoon.

Achievement Day Club Skits & Talent Show

We are conducting a club skit contest during the afternoon ceremony. The theme for Achievement Day will be “I Heart 4-H”, so we would like you to incorporate this theme into your skit. A party will be given to the winning club at their May meeting!!If your club would like to participate, please call the 4-H Office by April 15th so we can put you on the schedule. 4-H’ers that would like the opportunity to perform at Achievement Day should send in a DVD/CD of your performance to your 4-H club leader. These will be viewed by the judges, and the top acts will be selected to perform at Achievement Day. There is no limit on the amount of acts a club can submit, but the acts cannot exceed 10 minutes. These are due to the 4-H Office by April 15th.

Achievement Day Demonstrations

All demonstrations have a maximum time limit of 15 minutes. Note: All demonstrations can be individual or team demonstrations. A limited number of demonstrations will be allowed per club. Make sure your leader knows you want to participate. The following is a description of each demonstration contest:

Agriculture Demonstration - on any agricultural practice or practice relating to agriculture which includes the following areas: livestock & crop production, conservation of natural resources, wildlife management, marine science, poultry science, agricultural engineering, forestry, & horticulture. Ex. How to Groom an Animal, How to Clean a Crab, How to Pot a Plant, etc. (Elementary & Middle)

Breads - Can be demonstrations, illustrated lectures, or presentations on breads. Ex. How to Make Pretzels, How to Make a Sandwich or How to Make Muffins (Elementary & Middle)

Dairy Foods - Can be demonstrations, illustrated lectures or presentations and must be related to Dairy Foods or Dairy Products. Ex. How to Make a Milkshake, How to Make a Grilled Cheese Sandwich, or How to Make Pudding.(Elem. & Middle).

FCS Demonstration - Must be a method (how to) demonstration, not an illustrated lecture, on any home economics practice relating to Home Economics. Areas include clothing, family life, family resource management, health and safety, and housing and house furnishings. (Elementary & Middle)

General Demonstration - For Senior High members only. Can be demonstrations on Agriculture, Family & Consumer Science, Horticulture, or LA Agriculture Products.

Horticulture Demos. - Must be on the production, sale, or marketing of a horticultural product or use of fruit or vegetable grown in our area. Can be an artistic arrangement with fresh or dried plant materials or plants used in the landscape.(Middle School)

Louisiana Ag. Products Demonstration - A demonstration on Louisiana Agriculture products (should include Rice, Beef, Sugar, Seafood, etc.).No Horticulture products. (Elementary & Middle)

Tiger Tank Entrepreneurship Challenge – An opportunity for individuals or a team of two to create or propose a product or service-based business. They may have a business idea that they want to design and explore. Present a demonstration on your business idea.(Middle and Senior) Examples: making and selling dog treats, friendship bracelets, vinyl mugs, etc. Contact the 4-H Office for more details.

Achievement Day Contests

Fish Identification Contest—Participants will identify saltwater and freshwater fish by their common names as listed in the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website. A word bank will be provided. Participants will also be asked to select if the fish is a freshwater or saltwater species. Information can be found at www.wlf.louisiana.gov (go to Fishing, Recreational Fishing and then Regulations Brochure—pictures are in the Regulations Brochure).

Good Grooming/Personal Development - For Elementary Division, two 4-H’ers from each grade (4th & 5th) may enter from each school. Boys and girls compete together and should come dressed for an afternoon party (church dress) to be interviewed by judges. For Middle School Division (6th—8th) any club member may compete.4-H’ers should be dressed appropriately. For Senior High (9th—12th), any member may participate. Boys and girls should come dressed for a job interview for which they are presently eligible. A resume of the job they are applying for is required. Check with your leader to sign up.

Healthy Living Illustrated Talk - Elementary Division (4-5) - Contestant designs (a) standard poster 22” x 28” or PowerPoint relating to healthy living, (b) presents a 2–3-minute explanation of poster subject or PowerPoint and (c) responds to questions from the judge. Middle School Division (6-8) - Contestant designs (a) standard poster 22” x 28” or PowerPoint relating to healthy living, (b) presents a 2–3-minute explanation of poster subject or PowerPoint and (c) responds to questions from the judge. Senior High Division (9-12) - Contestant designs (a) standard poster 22” x 28” or PowerPoint relating to healthy living, (b) presents a 5-minute explanation of poster subject, or PowerPoint and (c) responds to questions from the judge.

Horticulture Crop Judging - Any number of 4-H’ers per club can participate. The contest will consist of Judging Classes, Information (true and false test on horticultural topics) and Identification of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and plants.

Insect Identification & Study - Any number of 4-H’ers per club can participate. A test will consist of identifying as to common name insects of economic importance to the parish. Resources: Golden Nature Book or Insects.org

Plant Science - Any number per club may participate. Elementary club members will take a test in the contest on plant science that will consist of true and false, multiple choice, and matching. Junior and Senior members will take a test and identify seeds.

Public Speaking - Four 4-H'ers from each club may participate. Speech must be 3 to 5 minutes on any subject. Contestant may refer to notes; but cannot read the speech and must submit copy of speech to judge on Achievement Day.

Achievement Day Drawing – Lucky Clover Tickets

Every time a 4-H club member participates in an activity or contest along with their ribbon or certificate they will earn a Lucky Clover ticket (these will be sent to them through their leaders). These tickets will be used to take a chance at some nice prizes. This drawing will take place at Achievement Day (look for the drawing box).4-H’ers must be present for the drawing at Achievement Day to be eligible to win.

4-H Garden Contest

Lafourche Parish 4-H program will conduct a 4-H Garden Contest again this year! This is easy and fun way to learn more about growing some of your own food! All you have to do is:

1.Select a site for your garden. Garden can be rows or square foot garden.

2.Plan what crops you will grow.(This contest is not for ornamental gardens.)

3.Prepare your soil.

4.Plant.

5.Keep records.

6.Call the 4-H Office at 985-446-1316 for more information and scorecard.

7.Return the scorecard by May 8, 2024. Good luck!

We Want YOU for 4-H U!

Each year, 4-H members from across the state who are in the 8th-12th grade as of August 1, 2023, are eligible to participate in 4-H University to demonstrate their skills in more than 40 competitive events. It is a culmination of a 4-H member’s year of hard work and dedication. Events range from Agricultural Use Demonstration, Automotive Care, Fishing Sports, Public Speaking, Fashion Revue, and more! Through competing, youth demonstrate life skills in teamwork, decision making, problem solving, resiliency, and many more. Each competitive event allows youth an opportunity for personal growth, skill mastery, and other life skills vital to functioning members of society. The official dates for the 2024 Louisiana 4-H University are June 18-21, 2024, on the campus of Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge. This is an excellent opportunity for our teenage members to experience and preview the campus of our flagship university. If you are interested in participating in 4-H University, please contact Mrs. Suzanne or Mrs. Sara at the 4-H Office.

Livestock Show Winners

On January 6th, the parish livestock was held in Napoleonville. Congratulations to the following 4-H’ers who won awards at the show:

  • Supreme Market Hog – Blakely Martin
  • Reserve Champion Market Hog – Blakely Martin
  • Champion Breeding Gilt – Blakely Martin
  • Champion Heifer – Amelia Straney
  • Champion Bull – Leilah Keller
  • Champion Steer – Eleanor Straney
  • Champion Market Goat – McKayla Dempster
  • Champion Doe – Carsyn Ayo
  • Champion Buck – Carsyn Ayo
  • Champion Ewe – Toni Arnold
  • Champion Market Lamb – Toni Arnold
  • Supreme Dairy – Alexis Lyons

Supreme Showman:

  • Swine – Blakely Martin
  • Beef – Leilah Keller
  • Sheep – Toni Arnold
  • Goat – Brody Cortez
  • Dairy – Alexis Lyons

Premier Exhibitor Champion:

  • Swine – Kyla Danos
  • Goat – Adele Stein

Ground Beef, Rice, Sweet Potato Results

Congratulations to the winners of the Ground Beef Cookery, Beef Illustrated Talk, Rice Cookery and Sweet Potato Cookery. There were 128 Ground Beef, 135 Rice, and 124 Sweet Potato dishes for a total of 387 dishes along with 18 Beef Illustrated Talks. They are as follows:

Ground Beef Cookery

  • Overall Champion – Helena Hill, St. Mary
  • Overall Reserve – Summer Rau, North Larose

Beef Illustrated Talk

  • Division 1 Champion, Cullie Rodrigue, Sixth Ward Middle
  • Division 2 Champion, Toni Arnold, Central Lafourche
  • Division 3 Champion, Luke Louviere, South Lafourche

Rice Cookery

  • Overall Champion – Harrison Vegas, Galliano Elementary
  • Overall Reserve Champion – Elijah Landry, Lockport Upper

Sweet Potato Cookery

  • Overall Champion – Jaxon Arnold, Lockport Middle
  • Overall Reserve Champion – Aurora Foret, Raceland Upper

Rabbit Show

  • Best In Show – Kenley Martin, Lockport Upper
  • Division 1 Showmanship – Elijah Landry, Lockport Upper
  • Division 2 Showmanship – Mikalia Himel, Sixth Ward Middle

Monthly 4-H Focus – Budgeting

Money is an important resource for everyone. It’s what we use to get the things we need and want. Learning how to manage money is a very important life skill. Financial goals can help you get the things that are important to you. Understanding different types of accounts and how to set up a budget are skills young people should learn early on to be successful in reaching goals in their future. Members will participate in hands-on experiences as they make spending decisions based on income during their monthly meetings.

Lafourche Website

Please take the time to look at the Lafourche website at www.lsuagcenter.com or you can go to our Facebook page Lafourche Parish 4-H for updates. We are always open to suggestions, so if there is something you think we should add to our website that would help, please feel free to let us know. For more information on any of the activities listed, please contact Suzanne Troxclair or Sara Guidry at 985-446-1316.

3/8/2024 5:13:19 PM
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